David McCullough once wrote about a king named Pacal, a name virtually unknown to Anglo-Americans, who is one of the most remarkable leaders in the whole history of our hemisphere. He also said that you need only see Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, to know that.
But now I wonder: Who was Pacal? How did he become a king? Who did he rule over? How much do we know about him, and what can we learn from his life? Why did David McCullough believe King Pacal is one of the most remarkable leaders in our continent?
Most importantly, I wonder: Has the life of King Pacal influenced modern Mexico? Does he have anything to do with the Mexico we know today? If so, how can this information be used to help Mexico?
Little curiosities like this lead me down rabbit holes I never would’ve imagined. What I enjoy most is the possibility of finding something worth sharing.
There is value in rediscovering something that makes the world pause and reflect.